PUTRAJAYA: As more sectors in the country start to reopen, the Health Ministry has reminded the Malaysian public not to let their guard down against Covid-19.

       Although more people have been fully vaccinated, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said it was not an excuse for them to take Covid-19 standard operating procedure for granted.

       “The country is now reopening many sectors, but this should not be a reason for us to let our guard down. Keep on complying with the SOP.

       “At the same time, the government will also continue to vaccinate more people,” he said.

       While vaccination provides protection against Covid-19, Dr Noor Hisham reminded the people that they could still get the virus if they stop taking preventive measures.

       “You can still be infected with Covid-19 if you have been fully vaccinated, but the severity is less. So, stay vigilant and be cautious,” he said.

       Effective yesterday, the Klang Valley entered Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), which comes with the easing of many restrictions and the reopening of certain sectors.

       At present, only Johor and Kedah remain in Phase One of the NRP.

       Residents of Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya can now cross districts, although they still cannot travel interstate.

       Still, under a travel bubble initiative by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, people can start holidaying in Langkawi from Sept 16 onwards.

       This comes with several rules, which include the requirement for all adults travelling there to be fully vaccinated.

       The government also recently announced more perks for those who have received two vaccination doses, including the resumption of entertainment and sports activities.

       Schools are scheduled to reopen in stages starting October.

       Malaysia is planning to enter the “endemic” phase of Covid-19, where the public will have to learn to “live with the virus”, health authorities have warned.

       This will come by the end of October, when Malaysia has fully vaccinated at least 80% of its adult population.

       To date, more than 71% of the country’s adult population are fully vaccinated, while 90% have received at least one Covid-19 jab.